A presentation by the Environment Agency on the North Reading and Lower Caversham Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Joanne Emberson-Wines, Nick Read, Angelin Hallaways and Lewis Purbrick from the Environment Agency gave a presentation on the North Reading and Lower Caversham Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Joanne Emberson-Wines explained that the aim was to draw up a scheme for extreme flood events when there was a high amount of rainfall in a short amount of time and as a result to reduce the risk of flooding to many properties in Caversham.  The presentation covered why the Environment Agency were working on the scheme, the flood risk in Reading, aerial pictures of the flooding in 2003 and pictures of the flooding in 2014, recent survey work and details of the option being considered.

The option for consideration was not final and the aim was to find a scheme that was viable and acceptable for everyone, it would also be based on a solid benefit cost basis.  Funding for the scheme also had to be found.  The next stage would see work carried out to look at areas along the scheme in greater detail and work would also be undertaken with the community to see what would be suitable in each area.  Further modelling work would also be carried out which would be shared when it was available.  Discussions would also continue with partners such as Thames Water.  All information would be independently verified using a third party test and assessment would continue once the scheme had been built.  All schemes would have to be in keeping with the natural environment but would also have to enhance the environment.  The need to improve engagement with the community was recognised and more/different ways of engaging with the public would take place; the scheme had to be seen as a community project with the Environment Agency and the community working together.

At the invitation of the Chair Councillor Davies, Caversham Ward Councillor, Mr and Mrs Goddard, Daniel Hayman, Heron Island Residents Association, and John Booth, Reading Friends of the Earth, addressed the Committee on their concerns and issues about the scheme and asked a number of questions.

The Chair told the Committee that discussions had taken place with the Environment Agency about holding other community events about the scheme and that the Agency would come back to future meetings when the scheme was at a more advanced stage.

Resolved -      That Joanne Emberson-Wines, Nick Read, Angelin Hallaways and Lewis Purbrick be thanked for their presentation and residents thanked for attending the meeting and asking questions.